State of the Safety Net Tool

About this project

The State of the Safety Net Tool gives policymakers, researchers, and advocates a clear window into how safety net programs are reaching people across all 50 states. Built with React and D3, the tool translates millions of data points into interactive maps and charts that make participation patterns immediately understandable. We worked closely with the Urban Institute's policy team to ensure the tool surfaced the right comparisons and told an accurate story. Every design decision — from color scales to hover states — was made to serve the data, not decorate it. The result is a tool that's become a go-to resource for understanding how programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF actually reach the people they're designed to help.